The airline is adding a third dedicated aircraft to its Belfast fleet and creating 39 new jobs based at the airport, as well as 47 new air crew roles.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays said: “In our tenth year of flying from Belfast International Airport we are thrilled to be announcing major growth plans for summer 2015.

“Since our first flight took off we’ve not only increased capacity but we have also grown our destinations from two to 16. Our city break offering continues to expand with the introduction of Prague and Rome, plus the addition of Gran Canaria means holidaymakers now have a trio of Canary Island gems to choose from. What’s more we have introduced our first Greek hotspot – the stunning Island of Zante."

DUP MP for South Antrim, William McCrea, said the expansion would safeguard existing ground staff jobs at Aldergrove.

"This is a significant announcement for the International Airport and represents a vote of confidence in the staff and management of the airport," he said.

"I am pleased that Jet2 should have chosen to make this significant investment in the South Antrim area, which will provide a significant boost to the Northern Ireland economy.

"I know that the DETI Minister and her officials have been working closely with all concerned to secure the delivery of this very good news. I congratulate everyone involved with this project. I hope that we will continue to witness the growth, development and expansion of the International Airport well in to the future."

Jonathan Bell MLA added that the new jobs would contribute £2.2 million annually in salaries.